When one leaves Ft Leavenworth, Kansas, at 5:30 PM, Columbus, OH, is a bit far for a through drive. This is particularly true when stretches of I-70 are in the midst of road construction. After running a MapQuest on several options, Brazil, Indiana, fit as the best place for an overnight stop. Indianapolis was too far. Terre Haute was about right. A little farther was even better. The high ratings of the Best Western Plus Covered Bridge hotel in Brazil, IN, about 25 miles east of Terre Haute, Indiana, hit the mark.
Late Night Check In, Brazil, Indiana
For a late-night hotel stop, there are a few musts. A quick and easy late-night check-in, friendly staff, and a room that is exactly what the hotel’s website promises are at the top. Best Western Plus Covered Bridge hit several high marks with a few personal touches. Also, the hotel is right off I-71, making it easy to spot, easy to get to, and easy to get back on the road the next day.
A Welcoming Vibe in Brazil, IN
As soon as my son steered us onto the highway’s exit ramp, I spotted the hotel’s lighted sign as a welcome beacon. Parking here is plentiful and free. We grabbed a luggage cart to unload, and I headed inside to check us in. Like with other Best Western Plus hotels, the Covered Bridge’s check-in area and lobby are inviting. A table at the entryway tout decorative pieces, a small chalkboard with handwritten information, and a wire lettering “Welcome” sign.
In the lobby, a lounge area creates a welcoming space. Framed artwork and black and white photos match the blue, green, and earth tones of the area rug, and the furniture and side table lamps add warmth.
A frozen treat freezer, a drinks cooler, and a snack kiosk are part of the lobby’s offerings. Although drink machines are common in most hotels, frozen treats are not. What a good idea. I can see parents offering their kids a sweet treat as a reward for a long car ride. Or adults might reward themselves.
Check-in was a quick process, and within minutes, we had our key card and room keys. Instead of a neutral color common to many hotel hallways, the Best Western Plus Covered Bridge hallways pop with a bright blue color, and the carpet matches the area rug pattern in the lobby.
About the Guest Room
A bright blue accent wall added a vibrant vibe to our two-queen room. The framed artwork matched the artwork in the hallway. Lighting on the side table between the beds, a desk lamp, and floor lamps create spaces where each guest is not left in a darkened corner. Plenty of outlets made charging phones convenient, and there was ample space for our luggage. A luggage rack and a bench helped keep luggage off the floor.
The result of the bright blue carpets, area rugs, and artwork creates a visual continuity throughout the hotel. This look leans towards a place one can feel at home, rather than a business, corporate model that feels less personal.
Our room included a refrigerator to keep our road trip perishables cold. A flat screen HD TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, and microwave are amenities. So is the free Wi-Fi. Like the rest of the room, the bathroom was spotless and in excellent shape. Toiletries are in refillable bottles affixed to the wall and inside the tub/shower wall as an environmentally friendly way to provide these products.
The Included Breakfast
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An included breakfast is helpful when one wants to get on the road. The breakfast at the Best Western Plus Covered Bridge, Brazil, IN is quite good and one that the staff takes seriously. A signboard lists what will be for breakfast each day. I was so happy we hit the crispy bacon day. It was cooked to perfection. Along with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon, fresh fruit, assorted pastries and breads, pancakes, and cereal are among the offerings.
A unique feature is the single-serve fresh-ground coffee machine with specialty coffee offerings. A staff member showed me how to use it so I could have a perfect latte before we headed out for the rest of our trip home.
More about the Best Western Plus Covered Bridge
In addition to the two queen beds, there are rooms with a king bed and mobility accessible rooms. The hotel has laundry facilities, a business center, and a fitness center. If traveling with a pet, they are allowed, but check with the hotel for details.
I booked our room with points on Hotels.com. Also check Priceline.com and Booking.com for rates, and sometimes the hotel’s own site has deals, particularly if you are a member. Member rates start at $111.59.
Check rates for Best Western Plus Covered Bridge Inn online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
